TSUKUBA, Japan, Aug. 23,
2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Scientists from the Research
Center for Materials Nanoarchitectonics (MANA) developed a
reconfigurable logic circuit that switches functions with constant
input voltages. This innovation opens doors to novel computing
architectures.
Image:
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Most computers today are based on the von Neumann architecture,
where memory and processing are handled separately. The transfer of
data between these two units causes a bottleneck, slowing down
operations. In-memory computing aims to fix this issue by
integrating logic directly into memory for faster and more
power-efficient processing.
In a recent breakthrough, researchers from the Quantum Device
Engineering Group at MANA, including group leader Yutaka Wakayama and Yoshitaka Shingaya, along
with Junko Aimi from the Research
Center for Macromolecules and Biomaterials, NIMS, developed
electrically reconfigurable two-input logic circuits that can
switch between different logic functions. These circuits also
function as artificial synapses, which are crucial for advancing
neuromorphic computing systems.
The circuit is based on a dual-gate antiambipolar transistor
(AAT), constructed by stacking an n-type semiconductor and a p-type
one. The AAT has a unique lambda-shaped response curve where the
output current changes with the input gate voltages. By
manipulating these gate voltages, specific current values
corresponding to logic states "0" and "1" are produced. This allows
the AAT to perform various logic functions depending on the chosen
combination of gate voltages.
To maintain consistent input voltages while adjusting logic
states, a zinc phthalocyanine core (ZnPc) is integrated into the
AAT. ZnPc traps carrier charges, shifting the peak voltage position
associated with different logic functions. This enables the AAT to
switch between logic states, such as from AND to OR and from NAND
to NOR, under constant input voltages.
The device also functions like an artificial synapse. Adjusting
the readout voltage modifies its synaptic response or current,
similar to how brain synapses strengthen or weaken signals. As Dr.
Wakayama highlights, "We have developed a non-von Neumann type
device architecture by integrating the nonvolatile memory function
with the dual-gate AAT, which is not achievable in conventional
CMOS architectures."
Research Highlights Vol. 90
https://www.nims.go.jp/mana/research/highlights/vol90.html
MANA Research Highlights
https://www.nims.go.jp/mana/ebulletin/index.html
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SOURCE Research Center for Materials Nanoarchitectonics (MANA),
National Institute for Materials Science (NIMS)